The US Department of Energy finalized a regulation in April 2022 prohibiting retailers from selling incandescent light bulbs, with the ban set to take effect on August 1st, 2023.
The Department of Energy has already urged retailers to begin transitioning to selling alternative types of light bulbs and has started issuing warning notices to companies in recent months.
According to the Department of Energy’s announcement, the regulation is expected to save consumers approximately $3 billion in electricity costs annually over the next 30 years and reduce carbon emissions by 222 million metric tons.
Under the regulation, incandescent bulbs and similar halogen bulbs will be banned, to be replaced by light-emitting diodes (LEDs).
A survey showed that 54% of American households with annual incomes exceeding $100,000 use LEDs, while only 39% of those with incomes of $20,000 or less do. This suggests that the impending energy regulations will have a positive impact on the adoption of LEDs across income groups.
Chile Announces National Lithium Resource Development Strategy
On April 20th, the Chilean Presidency issued a press release announcing the country’s National Lithium Resource Development Strategy, declaring that the nation will participate in the entire process of lithium resource development.
The plan involves a public-private partnership to jointly develop the lithium mining industry, with the aim of promoting Chile’s economic development and green transition through the growth of key industries. Key points of the strategy are as follows:
Establishment of a National Lithium Mining Company: The government will formulate long-term strategies and clear regulations for each stage of lithium production, from exploration to value-added processing. Initially, the plan will be executed by the National Copper Corporation (Codelco) and the National Mining Company (Enami), with the industry’s development to be led by the National Lithium Mining Company upon its establishment, to attract private sector investment and expand production capacity.
Creation of a National Lithium and Salt Flat Technology Research Institute: This institute will conduct research on lithium mining production technologies to strengthen the industry’s competitiveness and sustainability, attracting investment in lithium mining and related industries.
Other Implementation Guidelines: To strengthen communication and coordination with various stakeholders and ensure the protection of salt flat environments for the sustainable development of the industry, the Chilean government will implement several measures, including enhancing industry policy communication, establishing a salt flat environmental protection network, updating regulatory frameworks, expanding national participation in salt flat production activities, and exploring additional salt flats.
Thailand to Release New List of Banned Cosmetic Ingredients
The Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently revealed plans to ban the use of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in cosmetics.
The draft announcement has been reviewed by the Thai Cosmetic Committee and is currently being proposed for ministerial signature.
The revision was influenced by a proposal released by New Zealand’s Environmental Protection Authority earlier this year. In March, the authority proposed a plan to phase out the use of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in cosmetics by 2025 to comply with European Union regulations.
Building on this, the Thai FDA is preparing to release an updated list of banned cosmetic ingredients, including 13 types of PFAS and their derivatives.
The similar moves to ban PFAS in Thailand and New Zealand demonstrate a growing trend among governments to tighten regulation on harmful chemicals in consumer products, with an increased focus on public health and environmental protection.
Cosmetic companies need to closely monitor updates on cosmetic ingredients, strengthen self-inspection during product production and sales processes, and ensure their products comply with regulatory requirements in their target markets.
Post time: May-05-2023